Three years and many more disasters have happened since, but there are still pockets in the Capital Region where awareness of the devastation of Japan's earthquake and tsunami hasn't faded.

Local efforts began almost immediately after the news that nearly 20,000 people were killed and thousands of buildings destroyed. The March 11, 2011 tsunami also set off a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant.

The efforts included a wristband fundraiser and donations that totaled nearly $900,000 received by the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York. The money went to appliances and rice cookers for survivors living in temporary housing.

But within a year, the reflections of the quake had become a bit muted, a Times Union article noted. Other disasters have followed, such as local tropical storms in 2011 and last year's typhoon in the Philippines.

University at Albany Japanese lecturer Michiyo Wojnovich, who helped with the 2011 wristband effort for Japan, said since problems in Japan haven't been resolved it helps keep the concerns in the forefront for many people.

As 9/11 connotes the World Trade Center attacks, she said her students use the term 3/11 to describe the cataclysm in Japan.

"We talked about the earthquakes in Japan, and prayed for the people who lost lives on that day," she said in an email. A student who lived through the earthquake recently shared her experience.

"Most people who lost their houses and loved ones are still living in a temporary housing. Also they are still working on the Fukushima Daiichi, but I do not hear any good news," she said.

Local Rotary Club member Nancy Faddegon helped with the club's ShelterBox USA effort, which delivered tents and survival gear. A month after the disaster, more than $35,000 had been donated.

"We were amazed at the response. It was a tremendous outpouring," said Faddegon, of Faddegon's Nursery in Latham.

In the months following, the need in Japan may have been less than in some underdeveloped nations because of Japan's efficiency in responding, she said.

She said the disaster helped bring a better local awareness of global needs and she speaks about the subject at several area schools.